Legislative Conference

The annual Legislative Conference brings city leaders together for timely discussions on issues affecting Florida’s municipalities.

2026 Conference Information

The event will be held December 3-4, 2026, at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld®, located at 6677 Sea Harbor Drive in Orlando.

Members learn about key issues, finalize and adopt FLC’s Legislative Platform, and connect with local leaders from across the state. Florida League of Cities President Mark Franks, Mayor of the Town of Shalimar, will preside over the conference.

The registration fee for this event is $325 for League municipal members and covers admission to all conference sessions, continental breakfasts, refreshment breaks, and Thursday’s luncheon and networking event. We look forward to seeing you there!

Conference Agenda

Wednesday, December 2, 2026

10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Registration Desk Open Peninsula Registration Desk

5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Florida League of Mayors Reception Upper Deck (Lobby – above the Boardwalk Pub)

Mayors and Vice Mayors/Deputy Mayors only, please.

Thursday, December 3, 2026

7:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast Peninsula Prefunction

7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Registration Desk Open Peninsula Registration Desk

8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. Advocacy Committee Meeting Canaveral

9:20 a.m. – 10:20 a.m. Property Tax Policy: What's Next? Peninsula Ballroom 1-3

Explore the evolving property tax landscape and what potential changes could mean for Florida's municipalities. This timely discussion will provide insights into the issues and considerations facing cities.

10:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Legislative Policy Committee Meetings

Development, Code Compliance, and Redevelopment – Biscayne
Finance and Taxation – Canaveral
Intergovernmental Relations, Mobility, and Emergency Management – Longboat
Municipal Operations – Peninsula Ballroom 5-7
Utilities, Natural Resources, and Public Works – Merritt

12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. Luncheon Peninsula Ballroom 4

Call to Order: Mark Franks, President, Florida League of Cities, and Mayor, Town of Shalimar

Invocation
Pledge of Allegiance
Presentation of the Employee of the Year Award

Presentation – The City Story: Connecting What Residents Value to the Cities That Deliver

How can cities tell a more compelling story about the essential services that make their communities great places to live? Drawing on a new statewide survey of 1,500 Florida voters and experimental message testing, Sachs Media CEO Michelle Ubben and Director of Research Karen Cyphers will reveal surprising gaps between what residents value and who they credit for delivering it.

Discover what voters misunderstand about property taxes, what they fear losing as local funding comes under pressure, and which messages move public opinion. Attendees will gain proven, practical strategies to build appreciation for city services and strengthen support for local investment — plus a sneak peek at a new campaign designed to help city leaders tell their story more powerfully and connect directly with residents.

Speakers: Michelle Ubben, CEO, Sachs Media; and Karen Cyphers, Ph.D., Director of Research, Sachs Media

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Inside the Process: A Conversation with Municipal Lobbyists Peninsula Ballroom 1-3

As Florida prepares for a new gubernatorial administration and new legislative leadership, the 2027 Legislative Session will bring a changing political and policymaking landscape for cities across the state. Navigating that transition will require strong relationships, effective communication, and a clear understanding of how local priorities fit within an evolving legislative agenda.

This interactive panel will bring together experienced contract lobbyists and a municipal in-house lobbyist for a candid conversation about what cities should expect as Tallahassee enters a new chapter. Panelists will share insights on navigating leadership transitions, building relationships with policymakers, and developing effective legislative strategies. The discussion will also highlight how city officials, municipal lobbyists, and the Florida League of Cities can work together to strengthen municipal advocacy during the 2027 Legislative Session.

Moderator: TBD
Speakers: Diana M. Ferguson, Shareholder, Rutledge Ecenia, P.A.; Ryan E. Matthews, Government Affairs & Lobbying Deputy Section Chair/Shareholder, GrayRobinson, P.A.; Darrick D. McGhee, Sr., Chief Operating Officer, Johnson & Blanton, LLC; and Daphnee A. Sainvil, Intergovernmental Affairs Manager, City of Fort Lauderdale

3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. The Next Wave: Preparing for 2027 Land Use, Planning, and Housing Reforms Peninsula Ballroom 1-3

Florida’s growth challenges continue to drive legislative interest in land use, comprehensive planning, and housing policy. Join this session for a forward-looking discussion of anticipated 2027 legislative proposals, emerging trends, and potential impacts on municipalities.

Moderator: Rebecca O’Hara, Deputy General Counsel, Florida League of Cities
Speakers: Oscar Anderson, Partner, The Southern Group; Jake Cremer, Managing Partner, Barbas Cremer, PLLC; and Kody Glazer, Chief Legal and Policy Director, Florida Housing Coalition

4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Connect, Collaborate, and Caffeinate: Speed Networking for Municipal Officials Merritt

Get ready for a dynamic networking experience! Enjoy drinks and snacks as you engage in fun, fast-paced conversations and make meaningful connections with fellow leaders in local government. Don’t forget your business cards.

Facilitators: Eryn Alcorn, Member Services Administrator, Florida League of Cities; and Mary Edenfield, Legislative Administrative Supervisor, Florida League of Cities

4:30 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. Florida League of Cities Board of Directors Meeting Peninsula Ballroom 5-7

Presiding: Mark Franks, President, Florida League of Cities, and Mayor, Town of Shalimar

6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Networking Event Atrium CD

Friday, December 4, 2026

8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Headshot Photography Location TBD

Appointments available on a first-come, first-served basis.

8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Registration Desk Open Peninsula Registration Desk

8:15 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Membership Networking and Continental Breakfast Peninsula Prefunction

8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. Federal Action Strike Team Meeting Peninsula Ballroom 5-7

9:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Ten Minutes to Make Your Case: Advocacy in Action Peninsula Ballroom 1-3

You’ve secured ten minutes with a legislator — are you prepared to make them count? This workshop allows you to go inside a live mock legislative meeting as an experienced city official advocates for their community, hear candid feedback from a lawmaker’s perspective, and weigh in on what could make the message stronger.

Attendees will leave with practical strategies to build rapport, make a persuasive ask, and turn a brief conversation into a productive next step for their city.

Moderator: Sam Wagoner, Legislative Advocate, Florida League of Cities
Speakers: TBD

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Legislative Committee Meeting and Business Session Peninsula Ballroom 4

* Schedule subject to change. Check back for further updates.